Pulmonary aspergilloma, diagnosis and treatment

Pulmonary aspergilloma is a saprophytic form of aspergillosis, and the diagnosis is usually based on radiological findings such as thickened cavitary wall and fungus ball, and on positive serum antibody. Up to 58% of the patients with aspergilloma in Japan have medical history of tuberculosis. Serum anti-Aspergillus antigen is almost always positive in aspergilloma patients but aspergillus antigen is usually negative. Massive hemoptysis can be a fatal complication of aspergilloma, and the most common complication was respiratory failure according to our study. Surgical resection is the only promising intervention to cure the aspergilloma, however, low pulmonary function does not allow operation. Antifungal treatment is chosen for those who are out of operation indication, but the efficacy of antifungal treatment against aspergilloma is controversial. Some patients with aspergilloma show progressive form, and we define such aspergillosis as CNPA, chronic necrotizing aspergillosis, although the original entity of CNPA by Binder et al. is different. We make a diagnosis of CNPA only if all the following entity meets, 1; progressive shadows in radiological findings regardless of the presence of aspergilloma, 2; have some symptoms such as cough, sputum, hemosputum, hemoptysis or fever, 3; proof of Aspergillus attribution by mycological or pathological examination, 4; positive systemic inflammatory reaction, 5; neglect of other etiology of pulmonary diseases. Since CNPA is usually progressive, patients with CNPA should be treated with antifungals.     

Analysis of surgical treatment for pulmonary aspergilloma

Surgery for pulmonary aspergilloma is reputed to be risky. The results of surgical treatment of pulmonary aspergilloma in 41 patients between 1988 and 2003 were evaluated retrospectively. Hemoptysis occurred in 31 patients (75.6%) and it was massive (> 300 mL in 24 hr) in 3. The underlying lung disease was tuberculosis in 35, bullous lung disease in 2, hydatid cyst in 2, and lung carcinoma in 2 patients. Lobectomy, bilobectomy, wedge resection, and pneumonectomy were performed in 27, 4, 6, and 4 patients respectively. The postoperative complication rate was 24.4%. One patient, who had a right pneumonectomy, died due to respiratory failure; the mortality rate was 2.4%. Recurrent hemoptysis was observed in only one patient. Early surgical treatment of patients with pulmonary aspergilloma resulted in a satisfactory outcome with acceptable morbidity, low mortality, and effective prevention of recurrent hemoptysis. Pneumonectomy has a high morbidity, thus it should be avoided if possible.     

Pulmonary aspergilloma: A rational approach to treatment

A prospective study of 15 patients with pulmonary aspergilloma was undertaken over an 11 year period. Serious underlying diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and alcoholic cirrhosis, were present in 12 of them. Eight of 15 patients whose clinical and roentgenographic course was followed for an average of 50 months, received no specific therapy. There were four deaths in this group, none attributable to aspergilloma. The aspergilloma had lysed spontaneously in two, decreased in size in one and was unchanged in one. In the four surviving patients who had no treatment, the aspergilloma lysed spontaneously in one, remained unchanged in two and increased in size in one. Of the seven patients who were treated medically or surgically, three died. Among the seven deaths (untreated and treated patients combined), six were clearly related to underlying disease. The prognosis of aspergilloma is related primarily to the nature and severity of the underlying diseased). Contrary to the conclusions of previous reports, the experience in our series of patients suggests that routine surgical excision of aspergilloma is not indicated.     

Pulmonary aspergilloma appearing early

A 62-year old smoker and alcoholic woman with chronic obstructive lung disease was admitted for suppurative pneumonia with cavitation and developed an intracavitary aspergilloma less than 2 months after the first signs of pneumonia. In view of the short time elapsed between the aspergilloma and the onset of suppurative pneumonia, 2 possibilities are discussed: either an aspergilloma developed unusually early in the cavity of a recent pulmonary abscess, or the patient had a chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis diagnosed at an early stage, which would account for all the manifestations observed.     

Pulmonary aspergilloma simulating bronchogenic carcinoma

When a pre-existing lung cavity is colonized by Aspergilius fumigatus, it forms a fungal ball (pulmonary aspergilloma) and the presenting symptom is usually haemoptysis that may be massive and often-times life threatening. The radiological finding is that of a ball-like structure within a lung cavitation and the typical air crescent around the ball both on plain radiography and CT scan of the chest. The present case is of a 50-year-old male who had a 25-year history of heavy smoking (40 cigarettes per day) and haemoptysis. Although the cavitating lesion, ball-like structure and the crescenteric rim of air were present on the radiographs, the possibility of bronchogenic carcinoma was held high in view. Flexible fibreoptic and transbronchial biopsies were negative for malignancy. Sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage examinations showed neither malignant cells nor fungal elements. Right thoracotomy, cavernostomy, removal of the fungal ball and obliteration of the cavity by suturing (capitonnage) were done with an uneventful postoperative period.     

Pulmonary sequestration and surgical treatment

Pulmonary sequestration is nonfunctioning, abnormal pulmonary tissue existing inside or outside the visceral pleura. It is not connected to the tracheobronchial tree. In this study, the results of 8 patients, who were diagnosed with pulmonary sequestration and treated during hospitalization in Gülhane Military Medical Academy between 1996 and 2003, were reported. Sex, age, symptoms, diagnostic approach, operative findings, procedures and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. No postoperative complications were seen. In the long-term follow-up all patients were seen to be asymptomatic. We believe surgical resection is mandatory in order to avoid infection and destruction of the normal pulmonary parenchyma even in asymptomatic cases. Furthermore, when infection occurs, major resection such as lobectomy may be necessary rather than segmentectomy or wedge resection, which involves removal of minimal pulmonary parenchyma.     

Pulmonary aspergilloma. Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations

Pulmonary aspergillomas usually arise from colonization and proliferation of Aspergillus in preexisting parenchymal cavities. The most common symptom in this disorder is hemoptysis, which may be massive and life-threatening. Although positive sputum cultures for Aspergillus are present in more than half of patients with aspergilloma, this is neither a sensitive nor specific diagnostic marker. Virtually all patients with this syndrome have serum precipitating antibodies to Aspergillus antigens, and this serves as a useful confirmatory test in patients with suspected aspergilloma. The routine chest roentgenograph and standard tomography remain the most important diagnostic procedures. The computed tomograph of the chest may be helpful in certain cases. Routine surgical resection of aspergillomas is not recommended but should be reserved for patients with recurrent, severe hemoptysis who can tolerate thoracotomy. Parenteral antifungal therapy has not been effective in this disease; however, selected patients may be candidates for intracavitary antifungal therapy.     

Pulmonary aspergilloma diagnosed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy

We report a patient with pulmonary aspergilloma in whom the mycetoma was visualized and biopsied during fiberoptic bronchoscopy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pulmonary aspergilloma diagnosed in this manner.     

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: clinical findings, surgical treatment, and outcomes

Background Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS) is a rare disorder often misdiagnosed as a malignant ulcer. Histopathological features of SRUS are characteristic and pathognomonic; nevertheless, the endoscopic and clinical presentations may be confusing. The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical findings, surgical treatment, and outcomes in patients who suffer from SRUS. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review was undertaken, from January 1989 to May 2005 for all patients who were diagnosed with SRUS. Data recorded included: patient’s age, gender, clinical presentation, past surgical history, diagnostic and preoperative workup, operative procedure, complications, and outcomes. Results During the study period, 23 patients were diagnosed with SRUS. Seven patients received only medical treatment, and in three patients, the ulcer healed after medical treatment. Sixteen patients underwent surgical treatment. In four patients, the symptoms persisted after surgery. Two patients presented with postoperative rectal bleeding requiring surgical intervention. Three patients developed late postoperative sexual dysfunction. One patient continued suffering from rectal pain after a colostomy was constructed. Median follow-up was 14 (range 2–84) months. Conclusion The results of this study show clearly that every patient with SRUS must be assessed individually. Initial treatment should include conservative measures. In patients with refractory symptoms, surgical treatment should be considered. Results of anterior resection and protocolectomy are satisfactory for solitary rectal ulcer.     

Pulmonary echinococcosis and effectiveness of its surgical treatment

The problems of epidemiology and diagnosis of echinococcosis in the Turkmen SSR and organization of its treatment are urgent because of its prevalence. The number of diagnostic mistakes remains high. The modern diagnostic means provide early detection of echinococcosis. Higher quality of the diagnosis is possible with involving prophylaxis. The surgical method of echinococcosis treatment used mainly in surgical units of tuberculosis hospitals of the republic proved to be the most efficient. The efficacy of the surgical treatment according to our data amounted to 100 per cent. In some periods it amounted to 97 per cent.     

Pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma: clinical findings and results of therapy

PURPOSE: Kaposi's sarcoma occurs commonly in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Kaposi's sarcoma may remain localized or disseminate to involve visceral organs such as the lungs. Disseminated pulmonary involvement, when it occurs, is often fatal. Effective therapy may improve survival in such patients. We herein report on 20 patients with disseminated pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty previously untreated patients with pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma were identified. All were treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy consisting of either Adriamycin alone, a combination of Adriamycin, bleomycin, and vincristine (ABV), or bleomycin and vincristine (BV). The response to therapy and factors affecting prognosis were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Twelve (60%) patients showed a favorable response to therapy. The median survival from the initiation of chemotherapy for the 12 responders was 10 months (range: three to 31 + months) versus six months (range: one to 17+ months) for the non-responders. Eleven of the patients showing a response received ABV or BV combination chemotherapy (p = 0.004). Survival was shortened by the presence of either pleural effusion (p = 0.002), T4 lymphopenia of less than 100/mm3 (p = 0.03), or both at study entry. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with pulmonary Kaposi's sarcoma, combination chemotherapy consisting of ABV or BV is associated with dramatic clinical and functional improvement. The median survival of 10 months demonstrates the value of combination chemotherapy in this group of patients.     

肺结核之肺切除术

目的总结肺结核肺切除术的手术适应症及经验。方法2000年-2006年,252例肺结核患者接受手术治疗,其中全肺切除术17例,复合肺叶切除术10例,肺叶切除术148例,局限性肺切除术77例;空洞性病变86例,结核球或干酪灶115例,支气管病变或肺不可逆病变32例,毁损肺19例。结果手术死亡2例,痰菌阴转率92．9％,一次手术治愈率92．5％,复发率4．0%,术后发生支气管胸膜瘘11例（4．4％）,结核播散6例（2．4％）。结论肺切除术是治疗特殊类型肺结核的有效手段,但应准确掌握手术适应症、把握手术时机。     

CT findings and surgical treatment of double intracranial echinococcal cysts

Summary The authors present a young male patient with two intracranial lesions, one in the left occipital lobe, the other in the left temporal lobe. These masses were totally removed and both proved to be alveolar hydatid cysts. Surgery for a large hepatic mass, diagnosed after the first craniotomy, was refused by the patient.

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Doppelte intrakranielle Echinokokkenzyste. CT-Befunde und operative Therapie

Zusammenfassung Ein junger Mann mit zwei intrakraniellen Läsionen im linken Okzipital-und linken Temporallappen wird vorgestellt. Beide Herde konnten chirurgisch vollständig entfernt werden und erwiesen sich als Zysten vonEchinococcus alveolaris. Ein nach der ersten Kraniotomie entdeckter großer Herd in der Leber konnte wegen Weigerung des Patienten nicht operiert werden.